Public Transport

The Hon. B.R. HOOD (14:25): I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the minister on her new portfolio. My question is to the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport regarding public transport. Does the minister support the 50¢ fare for public transport as proposed by the opposition?

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Minister for Autism) (14:25): I thank the member for his question. It's nice to now continue my relationship with the Hoods. You are the last one in the parliament and it is good to be able to continue that on. Obviously, public transport is a really important part of getting people where they need to get and getting them there safely but also getting them there a little bit faster.

Public transport is a system where you can't just focus on one particular component and hope that everything falls together and we have a faster, more efficient and safer public transport system. I know the honourable member was not here when the opposition was in government but considering that we should be looking and thinking about what those on the other side are doing for public transport, we are a government that has delivered on what we said we would do, and that is bringing back public transport into public hands. Our trams and trains—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE: I understand why those on the other side would be getting a little bit upset. Talking about public transport must be really hard because of the word 'public' in the sense that it is in public hands. It is pretty remarkable to be hearing from those on the other side actually saying that word aloud.

Public transport is a really important part of our network. Our trams and trains are back in public hands. We have been able to invest in targeted reduced fares, and this has had significant outcomes for our community. Looking at students, they are now getting the equivalent of 25¢ fares. That is a great outcome when they ride. Our seniors can ride for free. We have seen that there have been incredible outcomes.

What we have also been able to do is that when you tap on the Metro—on the trams, trains or the buses—that money is going back into public hands. That's a really big change. You can't just say, 'Let's reduce the fares,' and then not have money to invest back into the system. I know those opposite put out a media release. I haven't seen your policy yet, but I understand that maybe you are a little bit short on your numbers, increasing your numbers to be able to get more trains and trams into the system if you are increasing the patronage.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE: That is a good thing, but you can't do one without the other. As a government we have done our homework and thought ahead, and we are doing this balanced system of having targeted reduced fares. We are seeing an outcome where younger ones are jumping on and seniors are using public transport, but we are also investing in the infrastructure to keep it safer. In the last budget alone we were able to put an additional amount—over $9 million, as I'm aware—to have safer and secure tram and train lines but also making those investments where they are needed in infrastructure.